Hand strap entry device

ABSTRACT

A ski pole strap entry device including a base member having a first side and an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed on the base member for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The first side includes an arcuate-shaped surface that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user&#39;s hand, wrist, or both.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,154, filed Feb. 2, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/452,995, filed Mar. 11, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/455,947, filed Mar. 19, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ski pole strap entry device. The device is designed and configured to engage a ski pole strap, and to spread or hold open opposing portions of the engaged strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ski poles are typically fitted with one or more straps that hang downward in a looped configuration. A skier ordinarily will insert and remove his hands from a ski pole strap numerous times during a ski session. Since ski pole straps are commonly made from flexible materials, major opposing portions tend to collapse together such that only a narrow opening exists for inserting a skier's hand. The narrow opening can interfere with the convenient and safe insertion and withdrawal of the skier's hand.

Attempts to design a device to simply and effectively maintain separation of opposing strap portions have been made with limited success. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,433,495 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,819. Ingold, in the later patent, discloses a device that includes a flexible base having a generally flat configuration when unattached to a ski strap. The material of the device is selected to have the flexibility to bend in conformance to the contour of the ski strap, but possess a greater rigidity than the material of the strap.

The present invention provides a device with improvements over the above-mentioned prior art through one or more of the features described hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to devices for separating opposed portions of ski pole strap to provide a sufficient opening for inserting and removing a skier's hand. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there has now been provided a ski pole strap entry device including a base member having a first side, an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed thereon for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The base member first side includes a surface that is arcuate-shaped in its natural state. The arcuate-shaped surface is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, there has now been provided a ski pole strap entry device including a curve-formed base member and a retainer disposed on the base member for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The curve-formed base member has a radius of from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, there has now been provided a ski pole strap entry device including a base member and a retainer disposed on the base member. The base member has an arcuate-shaped configuration at least upon engagement with a ski pole strap, which includes a radius of from about 2 inches to about 6 inches. The retainer requires no manipulation for securing a ski pole strap to the base member.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, there has now been provided a ski pole strap entry device including a flexible base member having an arcuate-shaped engagement configuration with a ski pole strap, a plurality of apertures formed in the base member, and a plurality of tabs, each of which overhang at least a portion of the one of the apertures.

The present invention is also directed to ski poles employing ski pole strap entry devices. In accordance with one embodiment, there has now been provided a skip pole including a ski pole strap extending from an end of the pole, and an entry device affixed to the ski pole strap. The entry device includes a base member having a first side, an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed thereon for engaging a portion of the ski pole strap. The base member first side includes an arcuate-shaped surface that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.

These and various other features of novelty, and their respective advantages, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of aspects of the invention, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is believed to be best understood through the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one preferred ski pole entry device embodiment provided by the present invention, the device includes a first and a second pair of facing L-brackets disposed on a curve-formed base member;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one side of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the opposing side of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another preferred ski pole entry device embodiment provided by the present invention, the device including an arcuate-shaped base member having a buckle centrally disposed between two pairs of L-brackets for securely fastening ends of a ski pole strap to the base member;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one side of the device shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ski pole including a strap extending from its handle end and a preferred entry device in accordance with the present invention coupled to the strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a ski pole strap entry device 10 is shown including a base member 20 having a first side 22 and an opposing second side 24. In a preferred embodiment, base member 20 is curve-formed, such that device 10 has an arcuate-shaped configuration in its natural state (i.e., in the absence of any applied force), including an arcuate-shaped surface 30 defined on first side 22. As used herein, “curve-formed” means manufactured in a non-planar form. In an alternative embodiment, the device base member has an arcuate-shaped surface on one of its sides, but not on the opposing side. The arcuate-shaped configuration of base member 20 (or just one of its surfaces, such as, for example, surface 30) has a radius R that is preferably from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, and more preferably from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches. Device 10 receives a portion of a skier's hand and/or wrist with the preferred arcuate-shaped configuration. This feature not only provides a proper opening in a looped ski pole strap for inserting one's hand, but it may also provide vibration absorption or force distribution when in use.

Device 10 further includes a retainer for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. In one preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a first pair of opposing L-brackets 40, 40 a and a second pair of opposing L-brackets 50, 50 a that are spaced apart from L-brackets 40, 40 a. Each of the L-brackets are defined by a rail 60 extending from a longitudinal edge 25, 25 a of the second side 24 of base member 20, and a tab 64 extending inwardly from rail 60. A strap receiving-space 45 is defined between an inner surface 66 of the tabs and the base member. A slot 70 exists between respective distal ends 68 of facing tabs 64. Slot 70 provides a pathway for inserting a ski pole strap into strap receiving space 45. The number of L-brackets may be greater or fewer than that shown. Furthermore, although the L-brackets are shown in a common orthogonal form, rails and tabs may collectively have a curvilinear form to define, for example, a J-shape or C-shape extension from the longitudinal edges of the base member.

To engage a ski pole strap, a user can fold a portion of the strap widthwise in half to form a loop with two edges. The two edges are inserted into slot 70, and then the user applies pressure on the loop to force the edges apart such that the strap flattens and resides within strap receiving space 45. In this manner, the retainer itself requires no manipulation for engaging a ski pole strap. Additional strap engagement techniques can equally be used with devices of the present invention. For example, the user can insert one edge of the ski pole strap underneath one tab 64 and then manipulate the opposing strap edge to reside underneath a facing tab 64. FIG. 6 illustrates a typical ski pole 200 having a strap 210 extending from its handle end with entry device 10 affixed to a portion of the strap.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, another preferred ski pole entry device embodiment 110 is shown. Features that are similar to those employed by device 10 have similar reference numerals in the hundred series, although not specifically discussed. The retainer of device 110 includes a buckle 155 interposed between a first pair of L-brackets 140, 140 a and second pair of L-brackets 150, 150 a. Many ski pole straps have a buckle for adjusting the length of the strap. Device 110 eliminates the need for a separate buckle. Ski pole straps already having a buckle can be affixed to a device such as that shown in FIG. 1, with the buckle positioned between the first and second pairs of L-brackets. It should be noted, that devices contemplated by the present invention may employ retainers defined only by a buckle (that is, without L-brackets).

Some preferred devices of the present invention include apertures formed in their base members. Referring again to FIG. 2, base member 20 of device 10 includes four apertures 12 extending from first side 22 to second side 24. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 2, individual tabs 64 overhang at least a portion of each of apertures 12. In such an arrangement, rail sections 60 extend at least coterminously alongside apertures 12, and preferably extend alongside and beyond the apertures.

Base members and retainers of the present invention are preferably injection molded using a material comprising a thermoplastic. One preferred material comprises a thermoplastic rubber, such as, for example, Pellathane. Additional preferred materials includes polyethylene's, polypropylene's, and blends of the same. Rubber materials and low molecular weight polyolefin's may help to dampen or absorb vibrations, as well as enhance the distribution of stress associated with pole planting during skiing. Base members and retainers in accordance with the present invention may also be die-stamped from a sheet of suitable material and then formed into various configurations. The retainer features described above are preferably integrally formed with the base member. However, the retainer features may be formed separately and thereafter coupled to the base member.

Although all of the device base members shown in the figures are manufactured to have an arcuate-shaped configuration without any applied force, base members of the present invention may also have a substantially planar arrangement prior to engaging a strap. Upon engagement, the planar base member deforms or flexes into an arcuate-shaped configuration with sufficient hoop stress arising from collapsing ski strap portions.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Accordingly, changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of features within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A ski pole strap entry device comprising: a fastener configured to engage the device to a portion of a ski pole strap without the device being in direct engagement with a portion of a ski pole; and a base member defining a first side and a second, opposing side, wherein the first side of the base member is arcuate-shaped in its natural state, wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop after the device is engaged to the portion of the ski pole strap, and wherein the loop formed by the base member is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate-shaped surface defines a radius from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate-shaped surface defines a radius from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of L-brackets disposed on the second side of the base member.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of L-brackets define a slot therebetween, the slot providing a pathway for inserting the ski pole strap between the plurality of L-brackets.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a buckle disposed on the second side of the base member, the buckle adapted to receive one or more ends of the ski pole strap.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the second side of the base member is arcuate-shaped in its natural state.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener requires no manipulation for securing the device to the portion of the ski pole strap.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener is configured to fasten first and second ends of the ski pole strap together.
 10. A ski pole comprising: a shaft; a strap affixed to a portion of the shaft; and a ski pole strap entry device comprising: a fastener engaging the device to a portion of the strap without the device being in direct engagement with a portion of the ski pole; and a base member having, prior to engagement of the device to the portion of the strap, a non-planar form in the absence of any applied force, wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop that is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the fastener requires no manipulation to engage the device to the portion of the strap.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the strap includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the fastener secures the first and second ends of the strap to one another to form a continuous loop.
 13. The device of claim 10, wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of L-brackets that define a slot therebetween, and wherein strap is received in the slot.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein the base member of the device possesses a greater rigidity than the strap.
 15. The device of claim 10, wherein the base member of the device comprises a thermoplastic material.
 16. A ski pole comprising: a shaft; a strap assembly affixed to a portion of the shaft, the strap assembly comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a ski pole strap entry device engaged to at least one of the first and second ends of the strap, wherein the device comprises a fastener configured to secure the first and second ends of the ski pole strap to one another to form a continuous loop, wherein the device further comprises a base member that is arcuate-shaped in its natural state, and wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop that is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both after the first and second ends of the ski pole strap are secured to one another.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the fastener comprises a buckle.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the fastener comprises a first pair and a second pair of opposing tabs overhanging the base member, the second pair of opposing tabs being spaced apart from the first pair of opposing tabs.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first and second pair of tabs face one another.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein the fastener is coupled to the base member. 